Staff members recognized were Dr. Shaneil Ealy, Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, as the non-classified Employee of the Year and Thomas Bertram, Schedler Honors College, as the classified Employee of the Year.

President Houston Davis with Dr. Shaneil Ealy, Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, 2017 non-classified Employee of the YearPresident Houston Davis with Thomas Bertram, Schedler Honors College, 2017 classified Employee of the Year

Employees with milestone records of service of at least 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service were also recognized and recent university retirees were also honored.

Branscum practiced law in Arkansas for more than 50 years and served eight years as District Judge of Perry County, as well as 11 years on the Arkansas State Claims Commission, during which he served his last 6 years as Chairman. He served 10 years on the Arkansas Highway Commission.

Strong was the head football coach at the University of South Florida, two-time conference coach of the year and was later inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Hall of Fame in 2009. Since 1995, Strong has coached 15 players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and had 37 taken in the first four rounds.

Voegele is currently in her second term on the Alumni Board of Directors where she serves on the scholarship committee. She also served as the chairman for the Class of 1962 Half Century Club Induction as well as the Alpha Sigma Tau Housing Committee.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award presented to UCA alumni. It is given to alumni to recognize outstanding contribution to the university, community, state or society; outstanding achievement in a particular field of endeavor; or a reputation that enhances the reputation of the university. Recipients also serve as an example to students and contribute to the goals or welfare of the university.

The Alumni Service Award was established in 2007 to honor an individual or couple, who, through their deeds or actions, reflect and recognize the importance of the UCA Alumni Association and demonstrate extraordinary commitment, dedication, service, and loyalty to the UCA Alumni Association.